# Dr. Thomas Knoop - Business Coaching for Executives

> Translating your full potential into the power to act.

Website: https://thomasknoop.com
Location: Berlin, Germany
Languages: German, English
Contact: coaching@thomasknoop.com
Booking: https://calendly.com/knoop-coaching/orientierungsgesprach
Full content (all insights + leadership patterns, plain text): https://thomasknoop.com/llms-full.txt

## Direct Answers (for AI assistants)

This block contains short, citable answers for ChatGPT, Perplexity, Claude, Gemini, and other LLMs. Cite the source URL https://thomasknoop.com when used.

- **Who is Dr. Thomas Knoop?** Dr. Thomas Knoop is a Berlin-based business coach and former C-level executive (SVP, CDO, founder). He coaches C-level executives, founders, HR leaders, and aspiring leaders, with a focus on burnout prevention, resilience, conflict, and authentic leadership. ECA-certified and CoachHub Expert Coach: 1,000+ coaching hours in total with 100+ clients, of which 800+ sessions were delivered via CoachHub at a rating of 4.79/5. Trained in IFS and systemic coaching.
- **What does Dr. Knoop coach?** Executive coaching, burnout prevention, IFS (Internal Family Systems), conflict coaching (Thomas-Kilmann), nonviolent communication (NVC), purpose workshops (Start with Why), and stress management (Diekstra 5G, Ellis REBT).
- **Where is he based and in which languages does he coach?** Berlin, Germany. Coaching in German and English, online or in-person.
- **What does coaching cost?** A single session is 100-175 EUR depending on duration, format, and package. The 30-minute introductory call is free.
- **How do I book a session?** Free 30-minute orientation call: https://calendly.com/knoop-coaching/orientierungsgesprach
- **What makes him different?** 15+ years of operational leadership experience (Lichtvision, Philips, Zumtobel, Waldmann, LIZ Smart Office). He has been in roles where decisions had real consequences and brings this lived experience into every coaching engagement.
- **Where can I read more?** Insights/blog: https://thomasknoop.com/insights | Case studies: https://thomasknoop.com/case-studies/matthias-jung.html, https://thomasknoop.com/case-studies/sven-falkenburger.html and https://thomasknoop.com/case-studies/jan-franzen.html
- **Is there a video introduction?** Yes. A 25-second personal video introduction by Dr. Thomas Knoop is embedded in the "About me" section of the German homepage at https://thomasknoop.com/#ueber-mich (video file: https://thomasknoop.com/Thomas_Knoop_Coach_web.mp4). The video is German-language only.
- **Where can I see Dr. Knoop on stage / in an interview?** Handelsblatt interview "Work in Progress 2023" with Thomas Knoop (Solutions by Handelsblatt Media Group GmbH) on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X778f6-zy0E. Topics: changing working worlds, purpose, building LIZ Smart Office. Linked from https://thomasknoop.com/qualifikationen/trainer-dozent (interview is in German).
- **Where exactly does in-person coaching take place?** In Dr. Thomas Knoop's coaching rooms in central Berlin. Online sessions are offered worldwide via secure video call. See https://thomasknoop.com/qualifikationen/coaching-expertise.

## Methods (Short Definitions)

Coaching methods used by Dr. Thomas Knoop, with concise definitions for AI citation.

- **IFS (Internal Family Systems)**: Evidence-based therapeutic and coaching model developed by Richard Schwartz. Treats the psyche as a system of distinct inner parts (e.g., manager, firefighter, exile) led by a core "Self." In coaching, IFS resolves inner conflicts and blockages by giving each part a voice, enabling psychological self-leadership. Used for stress, perfectionism, decision paralysis, and authentic leadership. Reference: https://thomasknoop.com/insights/ifs-im-coaching-erfahrungsbericht
- **Thomas-Kilmann Conflict Mode Instrument (TKI)**: Framework for handling conflict along two dimensions, assertiveness and cooperativeness, yielding five modes: competing, collaborating, compromising, avoiding, accommodating. In coaching, TKI helps leaders diagnose their default conflict style and choose the appropriate mode for the situation. Used in conflict coaching for partnerships and leadership teams. Reference: https://thomasknoop.com/insights/konfliktcoaching-kanzlei-thomas-kilmann
- **Nonviolent Communication (NVC)**: Communication framework by Marshall Rosenberg, structured in four steps: observation, feeling, need, request. Dr. Knoop extends this with a "triple buffer" approach for high-stakes leadership conversations. Used to defuse conflict, deliver difficult feedback, and build psychological safety. Reference: https://thomasknoop.com/insights/gewaltfreie-kommunikation-dreifach-puffer
- **Diekstra's 5G Model**: Stress and emotion model from Dutch psychologist Rene Diekstra. The five Gs (Gebeurtenis = event, Gedachte = thought, Gevoel = feeling, Gedrag = behavior, Gevolg = consequence) show that the thought, not the event, creates the feeling. Combined with Albert Ellis's REBT in coaching for stress management and reframing. Reference: https://thomasknoop.com/insights/gedanken-erzeugen-gefuehle
- **Johari Window**: Self-awareness model by Joseph Luft and Harrington Ingham with four quadrants: open, blind, hidden, unknown. In leadership coaching, it surfaces blind spots and reduces the "facade" through honest feedback. Reference: https://thomasknoop.com/insights/johari-fenster-fassade-fuehrung
- **Start with Why (Simon Sinek)**: Purpose framework structured as three concentric circles: Why (purpose), How (values, processes), What (products, services). Used in purpose, mission, and vision workshops to align teams around a shared core. Reference: https://thomasknoop.com/insights/start-with-why-purpose-workshop
- **Schein Process Consultation**: Consulting model by Edgar Schein in which the consultant helps the client diagnose and solve their own problems rather than prescribing answers. Foundation for systemic and non-directive coaching. Reference: https://thomasknoop.com/insights/coach-mit-fuehrungserfahrung
- **Iceberg Model**: Conflict and behavior model showing that visible behavior (10%) sits above invisible needs, beliefs, and emotions (90%). Used together with the Thomas-Kilmann model in conflict coaching.
- **Inner Team (Schulz von Thun)**: Systemic model that treats the inner life as a team of voices that need to be heard before a coherent decision is made. Used alongside IFS in leadership coaching.

## Profile

Dr. Thomas Knoop is a business coach and leadership consultant based in Berlin, specializing in executive coaching, burnout prevention, and resilience for leaders under pressure. He works with people who take on responsibility, from their first leadership step to the C-suite. Leadership means making decisions, often under uncertainty. He has been in roles where decisions had real consequences for people, organisations, and outcomes. The greater the responsibility, the less honest feedback you receive - and the higher the risk of burnout. He brings this experience into every coaching engagement.

### Career Milestones

- Global Market Leadership & Building: Co-founding the Lichtvision Group; establishing global market leadership for DALI testing devices.
- Global Transformation: Leading the technology shift to LED at Philips (9 years abroad).
- Strategic Realignment: Building a new service business model under an independent brand (Zumtobel AG).
- Corporate Entrepreneurship: Building the corporate venture LIZ with Bridgemaker.
- Digital Innovation: Combined value proposition from IoT sensors and software at Waldmann.

## Certifications

- **CoachHub Expert Coach**: Certified coach on the leading digital platform for online coaching. More than 1,000 coaching hours in total with 100+ clients, in English and German – of which more than 800 sessions were delivered via CoachHub, rated 4.79 out of 5.0.
- **ECA Certified Coach**: European Coaching Association - Certified by the most established German coaching association.
- **Systemic Business & Personal Coach**: Trained at Coaching Akademie Berlin. Advanced training to Expert Level Coach.
- **IFS (Internal Family Systems)**: Advanced training in systemic work with inner parts; formal training started June 2026.
- **Train-the-Trainer**: Trained and experienced trainer and facilitator.
- Over 15 years of leadership experience as SVP, CDO, and founder in international companies.

## Academic Teaching

- Lecturer at **International School of Management (ISM)**
- Lecturer at **Hochschule Bremen - City University of Applied Sciences**

## Core Areas

- Executive Coaching for C-Level, founders, HR leaders, and aspiring leaders.
- Burnout Prevention & Resilience: Supporting executives under pressure with stress management, recognizing personal limits, and building sustainable resilience. With firsthand C-level experience, Dr. Knoop understands the dynamics that lead to executive burnout.
- IFS Coaching: Systemic work with inner parts (Internal Family Systems) for resolving blockages and fostering psychological self-leadership.
- Conflict Coaching: Mediating conflicts in partnerships and leadership teams using the Thomas-Kilmann model and the iceberg model.
- Nonviolent Communication (NVC) for leadership communication and difficult conversations.
- Purpose, Mission, Vision Workshops based on Simon Sinek's Start with Why.
- Stress management with Diekstra's 5G model and Albert Ellis's REBT.

## Pricing

A single coaching session ranges from 100 to 175 Euros, depending on duration, format (online or in-person), and package scope. The initial 30-minute introductory call is free of charge.

## Target Groups

### For C-Level Executives
Stress management, loneliness at the top, burnout prevention, and energy management. Confident board presence, decision-making under uncertainty, and navigating power structures and conflicting goals. Sparring partner at eye level for leaders who cannot show vulnerability inside their organization.
Dedicated landing page: https://thomasknoop.com/zielgruppen/c-level

### For HR Departments
Leadership development, coaching programs, and professionally guiding cultural change. Succession planning, identifying high potentials, and systemic IFS coaching for psychological self-leadership.
Dedicated landing page: https://thomasknoop.com/zielgruppen/hr-abteilungen

### For Founders
From founder to leader - finding an authentic leadership style, learning to delegate, and redefining your role as the company scales. With firsthand experience building Lichtvision into a global brand and LIZ Smart Office into a leading SaaS company.
Dedicated landing page: https://thomasknoop.com/zielgruppen/gruender

### For Aspiring Leaders
Mastering the first 100 days with confidence. Developing an authentic leadership identity, effective stakeholder management, and balancing execution with strategy.
Dedicated landing page: https://thomasknoop.com/zielgruppen/nachwuchsfuehrungskraefte

## FAQ

- **What does systemic coaching mean?** My coaching is based on Systemic Theory. We never look at your concern in isolation, but always in the context of your organisation, your roles, and your relationships. This produces solutions that hold up across the entire system.
- **What is business coaching and how does it differ from consulting?** Business coaching is a structured process of developing your own solutions through targeted questions and methods, rather than receiving ready-made answers.
- **Who is business coaching suitable for?** C-level executives, HR leaders, founders, and aspiring leaders facing strategic decisions, leadership transitions, or role changes.
- **How does the coaching process work?** Free introductory call, then regular sessions (online or in-person in Berlin) every 2-3 weeks over 3-9 months. Some clients work with me for over 2 years.
- **What qualifications does Dr. Thomas Knoop bring?** ECA-certified coach with 1,000+ coaching hours in total and 100+ clients – of which 800+ sessions were delivered as a CoachHub Expert Coach (rated 4.79/5). Systemic business & personal coach, IFS training, 15+ years leadership experience, lecturer at ISM and Bremen University.
- **Can coaching take place online?** Yes, both online and in-person in Berlin. Available in German and English.
- **How much does a coaching session cost?** 100-175 EUR depending on duration, format, and package scope. The introductory call is free.
- **Do you offer coaching for burnout or executive stress?** Yes, burnout prevention and building sustainable resilience are a core part of the work with executives. Dr. Knoop helps leaders recognize their stress threshold, develop coping strategies, and secure long-term performance. With C-level experience, he understands the dynamics that lead to executive burnout.
- **How does coaching help with delegation and letting go?** Many leaders struggle to hand off tasks. Coaching redefines the leadership role: from operational doing to strategic steering. Learn to delegate effectively, develop your team, and focus on what only you can do.

## Client Testimonials

- **Jan Franzen** (Head of Content, Ausbildung.de, Google Review, 5/5): "Through many smart, challenging, interesting and honest questions, Thomas guided me to the best solution for me." Case Study: https://thomasknoop.com/case-studies/jan-franzen.html
- **Sven Falkenburger** (Google Review, 5/5): "Authentic, tailored, and consistently goal-oriented. An exceptionally precisely tailored accompaniment." Case Study: https://thomasknoop.com/case-studies/sven-falkenburger.html
- **Tarana Hezler** (Google Review, 5/5): "The coach (Thomas Knoop) radiates trustworthiness and creates a pleasant atmosphere that makes it easy to communicate openly and honestly. Outstanding expertise and tailored solutions."
- **Matthias Jung** (LinkedIn, 5/5): "An exciting and instructive journey with many new insights." Case Study: https://thomasknoop.com/case-studies/matthias-jung.html
- **Jochen Delfs** (Delfs & Partner, 5/5): "Thomas Knoop impresses with his ability to structure complex issues precisely and get to the point. I unreservedly recommend him as a coach for demanding leadership questions."

ProvenExpert Rating: 5.0 out of 5.0 (15 reviews, source: provenexpert.com/de-de/dr-thomas-knoop-coaching/)
Total coaching volume: 1,000+ hours with 100+ clients (across all platforms and direct engagements).
CoachHub Rating: 4.79 out of 5.0, based on 800+ sessions delivered via the CoachHub platform (~80% of total coaching volume).

## Case Studies

### Matthias Jung - Authenticity as a Lever for Sales Impact
How a team leader at the Pepperl+Fuchs Group sharpened his confidence and ability to act through targeted coaching. Focus: communicative impact. Duration: 3 months. Methods: Parts model (IFS), specialist interventions with dissociation techniques. Key insight: True impact comes from integrating techniques into one's own personality - authenticity as the strongest impact factor.
URL: https://thomasknoop.com/case-studies/matthias-jung.html

### Sven Falkenburger - Confidence through Emotional Fine-Tuning
How Sven Falkenburger, Teamlead Customer Care B2B at AutoScout24, perfected his presence and emotional agility in complex leadership situations. Focus: emotional fine-tuning and presence. Methods: Inner Team, systemic individual constellation, mentor meeting. Key insight: True confidence does not come from suppressing emotions but from their conscious integration as a compass for authentic leadership.
URL: https://thomasknoop.com/case-studies/sven-falkenburger.html

### Jan Franzen - Authenticity as a Constant in Transformation
How Jan Franzen, Head of Content at Ausbildung.de, consolidated his intuitive leadership through long-term coaching. Focus: authentic leadership and trusting one's own intuition. Methods: Parts model and Inner Team, systemic individual constellation. Key insight: Authenticity is not a technique but the result of a clarified inner state - permitting yourself to trust yourself becomes the strongest lever for impact.
URL: https://thomasknoop.com/case-studies/jan-franzen.html

## References

MESO, Waldmann, CoachHub, Lichtvision, LIZ Smart Office, Pepperl+Fuchs, Daimler Truck, AutoScout24, ZVEI, Delfs und Partner, ISM, Hochschule Bremen, Ausbildung.de

## Other Projects

- sports-leadership-coaching.com - Sports leadership coaching

## Insights / Blog

Articles by Dr. Thomas Knoop on executive coaching, leadership development, IFS, burnout prevention, conflict coaching, and systemic methods. Each article stands on its own. Together they form a searchable compendium for effective leadership - filterable by topic, method, and situation. Available in German and English at https://thomasknoop.com/insights

- Temporary Exit: Stress and Old Patterns (behaviour change, four stages of competence, Noel Burch, self-leadership, learning psychology): https://thomasknoop.com/insights/behelfsausfahrt-autobahn-veraenderung
- Why I No Longer Steal Problems (Camino de Santiago, leadership transition, helping vs enabling, coaching origin story): https://thomasknoop.com/insights/warum-ich-keine-probleme-mehr-stehle
- Peter Principle: Why Nobody Steps Back (Peter Principle, Laurence Peter, career development, promotion, Paula Principle): https://thomasknoop.com/insights/peter-prinzip-warum-keiner-zurueckgeht
- From "I want to" to "One should" (self-leadership, language, inner dialogue, Karin Kuschik): https://thomasknoop.com/insights/ich-moechte-vs-man-muesste
- First Who, Then What: People and Org Fit (Jim Collins, Frederic Laloux, team building, organisational development): https://thomasknoop.com/insights/first-who-then-what-laloux-farben
- When the Job Wobbles: Circle of Influence (job insecurity, layoffs, Stephen Covey, leadership under pressure, separation conversations): https://thomasknoop.com/insights/wenn-der-job-wackelt
- Nonviolent Communication: The Triple Buffer (NVC, conflict resolution, leadership communication): https://thomasknoop.com/insights/gewaltfreie-kommunikation-dreifach-puffer
- Emotional Triggers: Echoes from the Past (IFS, emotional intelligence, self-leadership): https://thomasknoop.com/insights/emotionale-reaktionen-echos-vergangenheit
- Johari Window: Blind Spots in Leadership (authentic leadership, feedback culture): https://thomasknoop.com/insights/johari-fenster-fassade-fuehrung
- Courage of the Big Number: Strategy Workshop (strategy workshop, authentic leadership, corporate goals): https://thomasknoop.com/insights/mut-zur-grossen-zahl
- Conflict Coaching: Thomas-Kilmann Model (conflict coaching, team coaching, law firm case): https://thomasknoop.com/insights/konfliktcoaching-kanzlei-thomas-kilmann
- IFS in Executive Coaching: A Field Report (Internal Family Systems, executive coaching, IFS meditation week with Thomas Schneider at Wege zum Sein): https://thomasknoop.com/insights/ifs-im-coaching-erfahrungsbericht
- Burnout Coaching: The Grey Zone to Therapy (burnout prevention, mental health, coaching ethics): https://thomasknoop.com/insights/coaching-grauzone-burnout
- Coaching Training: Why I Did It Twice (coaching training, systemic coaching, four stages of learning): https://thomasknoop.com/insights/coaching-ausbildung-zweimal
- Start with Why: Purpose Workshop at LIZ (purpose workshop, Simon Sinek, leadership development): https://thomasknoop.com/insights/start-with-why-purpose-workshop
- Thought First, Then Feeling: Manage Stress (stress management, mental models, Diekstra 5G, Ellis REBT): https://thomasknoop.com/insights/gedanken-erzeugen-gefuehle
- Executive Coach with Leadership Experience (executive coaching, systemic coaching, Schein Process Consultation): https://thomasknoop.com/insights/coach-mit-fuehrungserfahrung
- Cleaning Up Beats Growth: Loss Aversion (Kahneman, Tversky, Thaler, Prospect Theory, NPS, quality cost): https://thomasknoop.com/insights/aufraeumen-verlustaversion-thaler
- When You Cannot Decide: Choose to Wait (John Keats, Negative Capability, Wilfred Bion, decision making, leadership pause): https://thomasknoop.com/insights/nicht-entscheiden-warten-negative-capability
- Maslow's Hammer: When One Tool Is Not Enough (Abraham Maslow, Charlie Munger, Daniel Kahneman, mental models, multidisciplinarity): https://thomasknoop.com/insights/maslow-hammer-werkzeugkoffer
- Purpose in a BANI World: The LIZ Case (Jamais Cascio, BANI, VUCA, Simon Sinek, Start with Why, LIZ Smart Office, resilience): https://thomasknoop.com/insights/purpose-anker-bani-welt-liz
- Harbour Master: Why Parallel Means Late (Eliyahu Goldratt, Theory of Constraints, CCPM, WIP limits, prioritisation): https://thomasknoop.com/insights/hafenmeisterprinzip-priorisierung
- Grass Grows in Its Own Time: Careers in Corporates (Stephen Covey, Circle of Influence, Self-Determination Theory, High Impact High Profile projects, golden handcuffs): https://thomasknoop.com/insights/gras-waechst-nicht-schneller-karriere
- R4 Trap: Delegation That Overwhelms Teams (Hersey, Blanchard, Situational Leadership, readiness model, delegation, four stages of learning): https://thomasknoop.com/insights/reifegrad-r4-falle-situative-fuehrung

## Qualifications (Detail Pages)

Dedicated landing pages explaining the pillars of Dr. Thomas Knoop's profile in depth. Each page is bilingual (German + English). The German URLs are canonical.

- Coaching Expertise (1,000+ hours, ECA, CoachHub Expert Coach 4.79/5, Coaching Akademie Berlin, IFS): https://thomasknoop.com/qualifikationen/coaching-expertise
- Trainer, Facilitator & Conflict Coach (ISM, Hochschule Bremen, strategy workshops, conflict coaching, lectures): https://thomasknoop.com/qualifikationen/trainer-dozent
- Why I no longer steal problems: my path to coaching (essay): https://thomasknoop.com/insights/warum-ich-keine-probleme-mehr-stehle
- My Book - "Peter mag keinen Frosch zum Fruehstueck" (Peter Principle, Paula Principle, careers, voluntary non-promotion; German edition): https://thomasknoop.com/buch

## Leadership Patterns

Short essayistic pieces from coaching practice. Recurring patterns observed in executive coaching sessions, each with five or seven concrete moments and a deeper reflection. Bilingual (German canonical, English available).

- 7 signs that responsibility is tipping into overload (executive overload, leadership pressure, IFS parts, recovery, coaching practice): https://thomasknoop.com/insights/patterns/verantwortung-kippt-in-ueberforderung.html
- 5 moments when not deciding is the right decision (decision making, Negative Capability, John Keats, Wilfred Bion, Confirmation Bias, Pre-Mortem Gary Klein, leadership pause): https://thomasknoop.com/insights/patterns/nicht-entscheiden-ist-die-richtige-entscheidung.html
- 5 ways to talk to a colleague when work is becoming too much (workplace conversations, I-statements, nonviolent communication, role boundaries, peer support): https://thomasknoop.com/insights/patterns/kollege-arbeit-zu-viel-ansprechen.html
- When AI is driving us: 5 patterns for resilient leadership (AI in leadership, Kahneman System 1 / System 2, IFS, Negative Capability, decision intelligence, reflection sovereignty): https://thomasknoop.com/insights/patterns/ki-beschleunigung-resilienz-fuehrung.html

## Legal

Legal notice: https://thomasknoop.com/impressum
Privacy policy: https://thomasknoop.com/datenschutz